First-ever Richmond Ren Faire coming to Dorey Park this spring

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Hear ye, hear ye! Mark your calendars, for thou art asked to gather at the inaugural Richmond Renaissance Faire this spring.

The first-ever Richmond Ren Faire will take place this April with two days of craftsmanship, storytelling, history and community. The weekend event is slated for Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Dorey Park.

A "one-of-a-kind grassroots celebration," the faire held its kickoff last May at Gallery5, giving attendees a glimpse into the festival. Organizers told 8News 8-Bit Show host Hekla Petursson that ideas for the inaugural faire have been years in the making.

"Richmond is a landscape full of artists and makers and creatives. There's so many folks doing amazing things in this community," said organizer and Virago Alley president Amanda Robinson.

The 8-Bit Show: RVA’s first Ren Faire

The inaugural event looks to bring together more than 100 artisan and food vendors, as well as local performers, artists and cultural organizations, drawing inspiration from the multicultural exchange of the Silk Road, per its website. There will also be historic demonstrations and roaming character actors that create an immersive environment throughout the faire.

Petursson, who's also participating in the event as an actress, said organizers put a Richmond twist on the concept of Ren Faire, and that attendees won't find the experience anywhere else.

"Rather than focusing on the Royal families in English history, local businesses and artists are coming together to celebrate cultures and traditions from across the globe," Petursson said. "It is exactly what Richmond needs right now."

Petursson added that organizers are working around the clock with so much love, which the community will feel "the moment they enter the faire."

"I think patrons are going to be surprised by how much talent is going to be on display," she said.

A day pass starts at $29.02 for adults and $23.71 for children aged 7 to 15. For more information, visit the 2026 Richmond Ren Faire.